Common Dental Appliances and Procedures Explained

Posted on 10/1/2024 by Dan O'Leary DDS

3D rendering of three teeth each with a different dental filling material

Have you ever wondered about the different tools and techniques dentists use to keep your smile healthy? Understanding common dental appliances and procedures can empower you to make informed decisions about your oral health.

What are Dental Appliances?

Dental appliances are devices used to improve oral health, function, and aesthetics. They come in various forms, each with specific purposes.

•	Braces: These are fixed appliances used to straighten misaligned teeth and correct bite problems. They typically consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires.
•	Retainers: These removable appliances help maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. They are often worn at night or for a prescribed period during the day.
•	Mouthguards: These protective devices shield teeth from damage during sports or other activities. They are custom-fitted to individual mouths for optimal comfort and protection.
•	Dentures: These removable appliances replace missing teeth and restore chewing function. They can be full or partial, depending on the extent of tooth loss.
•	Dental implants: These artificial tooth roots are surgically placed in the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. They offer a permanent and stable solution for missing teeth.

Common Dental Procedures

Your dentist may recommend various procedures to maintain or improve your oral health. Here are some of the most common ones:

•	Cleanings: Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing cavities and gum disease.
•	Fillings: These restorations repair cavities, preventing further damage and restoring tooth function.
•	Crowns: These tooth-shaped caps cover damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their strength and appearance.
•	Bridges: These fixed appliances replace missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent healthy teeth.
•	Root canals: This procedure treats infected or damaged tooth pulp, saving the tooth from extraction.
•	Extractions: This procedure removes teeth that are severely damaged, infected, or cannot be saved.
•	Gum surgery: This procedure treats gum disease by removing infected tissue and restoring healthy gums.

The Importance of Prevention Dentistry

Prevention dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. By adopting healthy habits and visiting your dentist regularly, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dental problems.

•	Brushing and flossing: Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day removes plaque and food particles, preventing cavities and gum disease.
•	Healthy diet: Limiting sugary foods and drinks and consuming a balanced diet promotes overall oral health.
•	Regular dental checkups: Visiting your dentist every six months allows for early detection and treatment of dental problems.

Understanding common dental appliances and procedures can empower you to make informed choices about your oral health. By prioritizing prevention dentistry and visiting your dentist regularly, you can maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Serving Salem Keizer Community since 1987

We provide dental services for the entire family from children to older adults. Our entire team of caring Doctors, hygienists and support staff pride ourselves on a high level of patient care.

Using the latest in modern dental technology our services range from sealants to complex implant surgery. Our goal is a comfortable experience for our patients with beautiful results.

Smile more :-) Call today

(971) 600-0211

Located in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley.

Convenient hours
Monday–Friday
7am–5pm
Clock icon for Oak Park Dental, Salem Dentist

Map Pin icon for Oak Park Dental, Salem Dentist

3380 Astoria Way NE
Salem, OR 97305-2054

Phone icon for Oak Park Dental, Salem Dentist

(971) 600-0211

Contact Us

Read and Leave a review for Oak Park Dental - Dentist Salem on Google Places

Read and Leave a review for Oak Park Dental - Dentist Salem on Yelp

Read & write reviews

Check out Oak Park Dental - Dentist Salem on Twitter

Watch Oak Park Dental - Dentist Salem videos on Youtube

Check out Oak Park Dental - Dentist Salem on Facebook

Connect with us!

Dentist Salem OR • About Oak Park Dental
Providing modern dental technology and advanced oral health care to give you a comfortable and stress-free dental experience in Salem and Keizer, OR. Call today!
Oak Park Dental, 3380 Astoria Way NE, Salem, OR 97305 : (971) 600-0211 : salemsmiles.com : 6/10/2025 : Related Phrases: dentist Salem OR :